The Dynamics of Panarchy: Sensing, Planning and Designing Grounded Local-Regional Transformations — 23rd Meeting of AESOP Thematic Group on Planning and Complexity

Abstract

This report summarises the 23rd meeting of the AESOP Thematic Group on Planning and Complexity, held in Gothenburg in November 2025. Around 40 researchers and practitioners from seven countries gathered to discuss complex adaptive systems, panarchy, spatial transformations, resilience, governance, and long-term planning challenges. Keynote contributions by Jon Norberg and Sara Brorström framed discussions on the science of panarchy and multi-level planning in the Gothenburg harbour area. Six thematic sessions addressed paradigms in spatial transformations, flows and self-organisation, temporalities and resilience, analytical frameworks, adaptive governance, and digital/participatory approaches to spatial complexity. The report highlights four major developments: the need to revisit and expand conceptual foundations of complexity in planning; strengthened links with planning practice; broader inclusion of urban–rural and peri-urban perspectives; and increasing internationalisation of research, particularly involving the Global South. The meeting also marked the group’s 20th anniversary, reflecting on its history, ongoing activities, and upcoming publications. The event was supported by Chalmers University of Technology, the thematic group coordinators, and AESOP.